Sunday, April 6, 2008

A wonderful weekend for all...

If you ever need a quick and cheap getaway, I would highly reccommend the B&B in Mentone that we stayed in this weekend. We were the only couple there, as the other couple who had been scheduled to visit had to cancel. We loved the solitude. This was a very traditional B&B. Our sheets were turned down for us every night while we were at dinner, complete with a sweet note and chocolates. There was a constant supply of hot water for tea, cocoa, or cider as well as coffee and homemade scones and other treats left for us on the dining room sideboard. While we were at dinner every night, little elves left us amazing desserts, which we enjoyed while sitting by the fire in the common living room leafing through magazines and just talking to each other. Each morning we were awakened by soothing music piped into our room via a central intercom system. This alerted us to the fact that we had 45 minutes until breakfast was served.

Breakfast was another amazing event. There was fresh fruit, homemade pastries, delicious egg dishes, and wonderful apricot french toast. Did I mention the coffee? Each morning I was treated to 2 cups of coffee that I didn't have to re-heat, even once! The Teverinos, the owners of the B&B, sat down and had coffee with us each morning. We were treated to stories of life as they raised their 2 boys, and what they do now to help out with their grandchildren. Mrs. Teverino, Eleanor, is Irish and still has a hint of an accent. It is just thick enough that you have to really pay attention when she speaks or you will misunderstand her. She is the 6th child in a family of 13 children while Mr. Teverino, Tony, was an only child. We enjoyed hearing how that has worked itself out in their marriage.

We enjoyed hiking, more good eating at the various mountain restaurants, taking long afternoon naps, and shopping for antiques (what Eric affectionately calls "crappola"). We came home with more than just a few pieces. One piece, a marriage box, has quite an interesting legend behind it. I'll share that someday soon. What we liked best was that there was no TV. We spend the whole weekend coming up with our own entertainment, and I am happy to report that we were never bored. We got to talk a lot about our families' respective histories, something I don't think we've ever discussed before. Mostly, we just enjoyed being together.

Emory was not especially excited to see us. We did get a grin and a quick hug, but then she was back to exploring life with the Cooke's. Can't say as I blame her. Not only are Keith and Jennifer terrific, but she had a constant playmate with their little boy, Jackson. She was more than a little sad to discover that we were bringing her home. I think she thought she was there to stay! It's good to know that she was so happy while we were gone, that she was almost sad we had returned.

Tomorrow I'll post pictures of DeSoto Falls and Little River where we hiked. If you've never done a weekend getaway, I can't reccommend it enough. It doesn't have to cost you much in time or money, and it is worth whatever expense you incur. I feel like a new woman!

Just for Aimee

the parents

Meet the parents:

the Daddy: won my heart nearly 7 years ago, which was no small feat. awesome guitar and mandolin player, which aided in said wooing of heart. veternarian extraordinaire. super cool daddy. best guy i know.

the Mommy: delightfully becoming the mother i always mocked, one diaper change at a time. gave birth 3 times in 4 years. domestic engineer. loves to sweat. hates to be barefoot. caffeine junkie. welcome to my inner thoughts. proceed with caution.